January 2003 - Region 3 - Amanda Watmough
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Accrington Theatre Group
With inventive direction by Howard G. Raw and Patricia Tarrant Gaunt in charge of a good orchestra the audience at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre appreciated this ever-popular show to the full.
Roger Lloyd Jones was very good as the stiff necked, fiercely patriotic naval Captain Von Trapp, sang quite well and, for once, was an accomplished performer on the bosun's whistle.
Gina Cole, not quite a look-a-like but certainly a sound-a-like Julie Andrews, was vocally excellent and a natural with the children - a very convincing performance.
David Slater was very good as the pragmatic Max Detweiler whilst Andrena Backhouse looked every inch the elegant, sophisticated but shallow Viennese socialite Elsa Schrader.
Tom Cridford, Diana Vickers, Jamie Birtwistle, Jessica Tomlinson, Natalie Graham and Dayna Eddington who were all quite charming and worked well together as a unit played the Von Trapp children.
Kerry White sang sweetly and coped well with the part of Liesl whilst Mathew Norris as Rolf also did quite well but looked slightly uncomfortable with the dance routine.
Sue Moretta was well cast as the sympathetic Mother Abbess and gave a fine rendition of 'Climb Every Mountain'
Jean Pells made a fine Frau Schmidt with David Pilkington as Franz, Gennaro Lamberti Herr Zeller and Tony Lewis as Admiral Von Schreiber. Lynne Terry, Sally Hindle and Dawn-Marie Power completed a strong principal line up as Sisters Margaretta, Berthe and Sophia.
Sets were impressive and well worked by the backstage team thus keeping the production flowing, the cathedral like sound of the nun's chorus was excellent and the 'Lonely Goatherd' number was well conceived and humorous.
My thanks to the society for its invitation and the hospitality extended
to Denise and myself.
Glyn Neary
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
Blackburn Arts Club
Director: Geoff Baron
The place is County Donegal and the year is 1936. Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rose and Chris are the Mundy sisters who all live together with brother Jack and Chris's son Michael, and as the programme said "We see and share the laughter and tears, joy and despair and the warmth of an over-riding love for one another"
Good performances came from Brian J. Lawson as the adult Michael, David Lloyd as Jack the brother and newcomer to the Arts club, Neil Proctor as Gerry.
The sisters all played well and at times bounced nicely off each other. Well-maintained Irish accents throughout the play by the girls, although which particular part of Ireland I'm not sure! Still they WERE Irish and as you know I'm a stickler for accents!
The stage at the Arts Club is not very big and when you split it in half you have even less space, a good idea but I'm not sure it quite worked.
Good lighting and the sound are never much of a problem here; costumes and props at all time appropriate.
Well directed by Geoff Baron, a good night out.
BOUNCERS
Blackburn Drama Club
Director: Wayne Avanson
This play was 'Back By Popular Demand!' and marked the occasion of the new Thwaites' Theatre being opened in Blackburn.
There will now follow a 'New' way to crit' a play!
- Clive Stack - AKA - Judd, Plain Elaine & Terry = Fantastic!
- Steven Derbyshire - AKA - Ralph -Sexy Suzy & Jerry = Outstanding!
- David Batterby - AKA - Lucky Eric, Maureen & Baz = Magnificent!
- Rob Trethewey - AKA -Les, Rosie & Kev = Wonderful! Back stage = Great!
- Direction = Smoothly executed!
This was an outrageously funny play and even now I'm still laughing when I think about it.
A SUPER night and if I hadn't been going out the following night I would have gone back for more! Here endeth my 'Social Comments!'
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Blackburn Drama Club
Director: Joan McCann
So to Darwen Library Theatre and to the 19th century. Did the 'Snobs' really talk like that? This is probably one of Jane Austen's most well known stories and was well received at the Drama Club.
Anita Shaw as Eleanor and Elizabeth Wood as Marianne were super as the sisters whose love lives seem to be constantly in turmoil. Their 'suitors' Edward, played by Michael Eccles, Willoughby, played by Wayne Avanson and Brandon played by Clive Stack, all impressed. 'The other woman' Lucy Steel a.k.a. Jan Barker was also well played and I felt quite sorry for Eleanor after Lucy had appeared. The audience was in stitches when Aunt Jennings made her appearances. Muriel Eccles was a dream.
Effects included music underneath the dialogue and an effective dream scene with voice-overs. Set was basic and well lit.
Well directed by Joan McCann, this was, for me, an interesting night.
THE GONDOLIERS
Burnley Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Producer: Stella Kelsall
Musical Director: Geoff Balson
One of my favourite Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and Burnley G & S, under the sound direction of Stella Kelsall, did not disappoint.
The chorus, all 28 of them - possibly one of the largest in the region at the moment - moved well and sang wonderfully and were beautifully costumed.
All the principals were exceptionally outstanding and I find it hard to do the 'who's best' bit, so I won't. Suffice to say superb to all of you.
The set was good. I liked the extension of the stage into the auditorium, it made quite a big difference.
The orchestra, musically directed by Geoff Balson, was excellent and to date the best I have heard. My eardrums were quite comfortable, not blasted, as some MDs would endorse.
This was a wonderful night's entertainment.
RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN
Burnley Garrick
Director: Clifford Spencer
I was not familiar with this play, so after my last experience forgive me for being a wee bit apprehensive! Never fear, they had been spin doctored!
This was a three hander about 'discovery' and those cast members ALL gave good performances.
Stephen Dixon, as Richard, Cyrenne's brother and bearer of a few 'truths' gave a good performance; shot but had its own impact on the play.
Adrian Hartley as Percy, a 42 year old, unmarried, mummy's boy, who lacked confidence with the ladies, was desperate to be one of the 'lads', had some fantastic lines and gave excellent delivery.
Louise Bradshaw Evans was an absolute dream as Cyrenne, a 'lady of the night', compulsive liar with a bad memory and an extremely vivid imagination! In fantastic costumes, Louise was brilliant.
Well done Clifford Spencer for directing the play. Good lighting, props and set complete with running water! This was a good night.
THE LATE EDWINA BLACK
Burnley Garrick
Director: Alan Bailey
This production did keep you guessing. Was Edwina really dead or not? She's not ever seen but appears to be there and unnerving the rest of the cast! A super set built by Norman Bell, David Foster and team, very authentic costumes, atmospheric lighting and good props set the scene well.
The cast, only four members, each gave credible performances. Dorothy Spencer was super as the housekeeper and had some good, if not occasionally subtle lines, to deliver. Angela Boult as Ellen was very comfortable in the role and her performance was super. Gregory Black, the grieving husband, (I think not!) was played by Giles Williams, he also did extremely well with his role. Martin Chadwick gave a good performance as the Inspector, Henry Martin; however, he seemed to have teamed up with the prompt for the night.
Well directed by Alan Bailey, I look forward to the club's next play, Harvey.
42nd STREET
Burnley Light Opera Society
Direction & Choreography: Anthony Williams
Musical Director: Nick Sanders
Rather a lot of distraction in the audience (two fire alarms and two unwell people) appeared to take away the usual sparkle that I always expect from B.L.O.S. The script is a bit 'naff' so luckily we had some good performances and enthusiastic tap numbers to entertain us.
As Peggy Sawyer, Susannah Cooper impressed and went from chorus girl to over-night-star with ease. Mark Robinson, confidently played her oppo' Billy Lawlor. He sings very well and can reach notes any soprano would be quite jealous of!
Julian Marsh, the once great director, was well played by Roy Washington, a very enjoyable performance. Dorothy Brock, the ageing star, was superbly performed by Joanne Gill, quite exceptional.
Other roles worthy of a mention are Cynthia Sanderson (Maggie Jones) she was truly fab! Barry Pixton (Bert Parry), Sue Avanson (Ann Reily), Alan Miller (Abner Dillon), Jason Cain (Andy Lee), Peter Morville (Pat Denning) and Richard Hinton (Mac).
Chorus moved and danced well. Costumes and props were good as was the set. Lighting was at times a little too dark but this did get better in the second half.
Nick Sanders fielded an excellent orchestra and Anthony Williams's direction was fluid.
ANNUAL AWARDS EVENING GALA CONCERT
Bacup AODS - BYTES
This is becoming an annual event for this talented youth group and an excellent way to acknowledge and reward the young people of BYTES.
A good and varied programme that included two scenes form Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, songs from Barnum, Joseph, Jesus Christ Super Star and Bye Bye Birdie and plenty of dancing.
With the continued support of the adult society and Simon, Stella and Regina this youth group can only go from strength to strength.
Thank you for the kind invitation and a super night.
WHEN WE ARE MARRIED
Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: Mel Scorah
This is my favourite of J.B. Priestley plays, and after seeing rather a lot of dramas, I was ready for a good laugh'. I was not disappointed.
An excellent set, good lighting, sound, props and super costumes were the order of the night and an audience that was 'on the ball'!
Performances by all three couples were exceptional and therefore I refuse to do the 'who's better' bit. ALL excelled.
All supporting roles were very well played. Making quite an impression as the maid, Ruby, Gaynor Smith did have the audience in stitches every time she appeared. Very Ab. Fab. Bubbles!
Well directed by Mel Scorah, this was a very enjoyable evening.
HIGH SOCIETY
Colne Operatic Society
Producer: Stephen Burrows
Musical Director: Brian Fothergill
Choreoaroher: Susan Chiooendale
This is one of those musicals which is not often done. Why? Well, I think we all prefer the film! It really has quite a weak script and some very complicated musical numbers.
Colne Operatic Society should be proud of their achievement, they all worked very hard and the end product was good.
Newcomers, husband and wife team Jon and Wendy Ranwell played Dexter and Tracy. Two solid performances. Jon has a superb voice. As Dinah, we saw a lovely performance from Helen O'Connell. Mother and Seth Lord, played by Vivienne Thornber and Dennis Royle, both impressed.
Comedy came in the form of Mark Raynor as Uncle Willie, a great drunk. George was suitably played by Matt Leedam, quite pompous! Steve Royle played a smooth Mike Connor and his song, 'You're Sensational', was super.
Angela Foulds provided that bit of extra sparkle. She really excelled. Her delivery was always clear and songs audible.
Technically strong in every way, loved the 'Muppet moment' - when the 'True Love' sailed serenely off! Directed well and musically strong. A good night.
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Dorothy Bruce School of Dancing
Director & Choreography: Dorothy Bruce
Producer: Margaret Boyle
Musical Director: Brian Townend
What a happy pantomime this was. Lots of enthusiasm and plenty of smiles. Great!
Out of 'Panto Retirement' due to last miniute problems, came Alf Boyle as Olive Omelette, well done Alf! The children of the dance school who were villagers, hippies, penguins and snowmen all danced and sang really well.
The set worked well and the costumes were super, especially the spiders and the snowmen.
Older members of the school took the lead roles and good performances came from Eleanor Ross (Humpty Dumpty), Andrew Willetts (King Eggbert the Unready), Emma Taylor (Princess Shellana), Charlotte Norris (Prince Michael of Mayonnaise), Sarah Bruce (Belladonna Henbane), Katie Makey (Sergeant Eggyolk), Nosheen Hussain (Corporal Eggwhite), Jennifer Smith (Mrs Mistletoe) and Rebekah Mason (Nicky Nobath).
All sang well under the musical direction of Brian Townend and the whole production was well directed by Dorothy Bruce, and I'm sure a host of mums and dads were involved. A good family night out.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Oswaldtwistle Players
Director: Michael Flanagan
An outstanding achievement for the players. This was written and directed by Michael Flanagan, so, I believe this was a World Premiere! A cast of thousands graced the stage and most of the adult members' children were also in it, keeping it a right family affair!
Set, built and designed by the Players, as always, was excellent, as were props, sound and costumes. I found the lighting at times just a wee bit too dark. I know it creates mood, but I would have been happier being able to see faces a bit more as I found myself squinting.
I cannot possibly mention everybody in the play, but mention the performances I felt impressed.
As Jacob Marley, Paul McGowen was suspended from the stage allowing us to see his chains that he had forged in life, a good performance.
As the ghost of Christmas Past, Lori Vernon operated a stunning marionette. A 'jolly' interpretation came from Anthony Flanagan as the ghost of Christmas Present and an eerie one as the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, as he played both roles.
Michael New was quite amusing as Mr Fezziwig and light relief was in the forms of sisters Wendy Duggan (Mrs Wilkes) and Lesley Jackson (Mrs Dilber) who were hilarious as the 'hags' rummaging through Scrooge's belongings.
Ebenezer Scrooge was excellently played by John Kirby. He went from an ogre to a lamb with ease and injected some of the old 'IMP' humour on his way.
Ossy Players - be very proud.
ANNIE
Rossendale Amateur Youth Society (RAYS)
Producer: Colin Povey
Musical Director: Julia Killick
Choreographer: Liz Wood
An outstanding production for this group and all involved are to be congratulated.
Excellent performances came from Hannah Roupee as Annie. She was very natural and sang wonderfully. It was so nice to hear 'Tomorrow' sung and not bellowed for the whole of Lancashire to hear!
Clive McCoy was a rather magical Oliver Warbucks; he is great to watch. Gemma Wolstenholme as Grace Farrell, gave a very smooth performance and came across as very caring.
Miss Hannigan was a hoot and very capably played by Andrea Dewhurst as was Rooster (John Moorehead). My, his legs can move! Jade Hardman was a good sidekick as Lily.
All the children who were Orphans, Hooverville Residents, New York Residents all sang and moved well. I must mention Rachel Taylor who played a few minor roles. She has quite an amazing voice.
Julia Killick's orchestra was excellent and Colin Povey's direction was good. The set was very good, as were costumes, lighting and sound. Well done RAYS, you were great!
SOMEONE WHO'LL WATCH OVER ME
Rossendale Players
Director: Len Taylor
This play by Frank McGuiness was new to me. Set in a cell in Beirut in the late 1980s reminded me of the abduction of John Mcartney, Terry Waite and Brian Keenen. We will never know exactly how these men coped and the despair that they went through. This play gave an insight into what it may possibly have been like for those men.
The set was the interior of a cell excellently built and very effectively lit. Dressed with three bed/benches, a radiator and three chains. Very intimidating.
Three very talented gentlemen took the three roles of Edward, Adam and Michael. All had a special something to offer.
Franco Poalucci was Adam, an American devastated that anyone could do this to 'An American', and also occasionally playing umpire to the other two's arguing. A good, solid and emotional performance. Sadly we do not see him in the second act as he dies.
Mark Storton gave a tremendous performance as the Irish Adam. He had some excellent lines to deliver and again showed fantastic emotion.
Len Taylor played the 'Stiff Upper Lip' Englishman, with a little bit of naivety thrown in. He had some great lines. Len also directed and took over this role at two weeks' notice.
This was an extremely thought provoking and powerful play with excellent performances form all three cast members. The continual standard that is being achieved by this company has to be applauded.
FUNNY MONEY
Rossendale Players
Director: Mark Storton
A fast moving and very funny play was the Players' latest offering. Directed by Mark Storton, this was an entertaining evening.
Mr and Mrs Perkins were well played by Penny Griffin and Geoffrey Collinge and their dinner guests, who never do get their meal, were equally good.
Other visitors who 'pop' in during the course of the evening, Davenport (Mike Gee), Slater (Tony Harris) and 'Passer-by' (Terence Hayde) all made their mark.
Geoffrey Jackson as Bill the cab driver was a hoot and had the audience in fits of laughter with his good timing and occassional ad-libs.
Complemented by a good set, lights, sound and sadly, 'The Prompt'. Not one of their best.
GUYS & DOLLS
St. Cuthberts Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, Burnley
Produced by Barbara Simpson
Musical Director: Brian Townend
A warm welcome greeted me as I arrived on a very wet, windy and cold night at S.C.O.A.D.S. and sadly this was reflected in the size of the audience.
I was quite astounded at the size of stage space that this group has got and how well it was utilised. The chorus sang and moved well and all supporting roles were well executed.
Elaine Morris and John Normanton confidently played the lead roles of Sarah Brown and Sky. Also good were Jeff Pilkington and Rachel Barrowclough as Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelade.
Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet, Edward Munday and Paul Crabtree, gave us moments of comedy and Alan Woodworth as Big Julie was very amusing.
Lights, sound and set were well presented but, sorry! I felt the costumes were a bit muddled.
With good support from MD Brian Townend and a super little combo and good direction from Barbara Simpson, this was an interesting evening.
FINIAN'S RAINBOW
St. John's Great Marsden A.O.& D.S.
Producer & Musical Director: Brian Townend
Choreographer: Catherine O'Connell
A very good and colourful set with an extremely enthusiastic and vocally strong chorus introduced me to this well-established theatre company.
Fresh from her win at the Region 3 NODA awards (Best Supporting Actress in a play), Angela Boult was wonderful as Sharon McLonergan, maintaining a pure Irish accent throughout the production.
As her dad, Finian, Bill Walker was excellent. Scenes between Bill and Richard Patel, as Og, worked well together on stage providing good humour for the audience.
Mike McKeown, as Woody Mahoney, also gave a creditable performance and duets between him and Angela were well executed.
Other strong performances worthy of a mention were Brian Roden as Senator Rawkins, David Evans as Buzz Collins, Christopher Thompson as the Sheriff and Andrea Jackson as Maude.
The Gospeleers also starred delivering an excellent rendition of 'The Begat'.
Choreography and the role of Susan Mahoney were by Catherine O'Connell. This is an exceptionally talented young lady and routines done by the dancers and chorus were visually effective.
Brian Townend produced and M.D'd. I felt that this was rather a lot to take on and at times the orchestra did not appear as strong as the direction.
With good costumes, lighting and sound this was an enjoyable evening.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
St Stephen's Players, Burnley
It's 'THAT' time again! PANTO! And it's only OCTOBER! This is the first time St Stephen's Operatic & Dramatic Society and St Stephen's Pantomime Society have played as the newly amalgamated St Stephen's Players.
Well, I have to say that this pantomime certainly rocked! It was fast, entertaining, colourful, had great costumes, a fantastic set and was very funny.
The chorus moved and sang well. They also smiled throughout. "Brownie points there folks"!
Super performances came from Malcolm Stewart who was the Town Cryer and Giant Blunderbore, Mary Mary (Donna Ashworth), Tommy Tucker (Rachel Higgin), Gertie the cow (Martin Green and Phillip Gill) and Old King Cole (John Ormerod).
Jack was played"well by Rachel Rogers as was the Princess played by Vicky Bentley. The forces of good and evil were suitably played by Mark Gill as Duke of Malevolence, and Jean Beeston as Fairy Benevolence.
An energetic and fantastic performance came from David Pounder as Simple Simon, he was really great and the audience loved him. As they also did Dame Durden who was played by Keith Pounder, fabulous.
Well done! I look forward to your next production of South Pacific.
FATAL ATTRACTION
Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramtic Society
Director: Connie Wright
Again I was not disappointed at Todmorden. An extremely strong cast graced the stage for this thrilling play. Will we ever know what's going on in Blaire Griffin's head? The set was truly magnificent. Complimented by good lighting, props and costumes.
A welcome return to the Hippodrome for Connie Wright who directed the play, after a seven year break. I do hope she is asked to come back.
New member Roger Nuttall gave a short but sweet performance as Morgan Richards, soon-to-be-ex husband of Blaire, he dies! Followed by a strong performance by Michael Church-Taylor, as Tony Lombardi, who has been 'stalking' Blaire for years, he also dies!
Then the 'cops' arrive! A great performance by Katrina Heath as Sergeant Doris, she lives, as does Kenneth Marshall as Lieutenant Gus Braden ... just! Fantastic. Julie Johnston as Blaire's friend/lover also turned in a good performance.
And so to Blaire. I would not trust her as far as I could throw her! I really did not like this person! So, that means that Abigail Sharp is rather a good actress. Excellently executed.
So another good night a Todmorden.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
X-RAYS
Director & Choreographer: Liz Wood
Musical Director: Paul Swale
A subsidiary of Rossendale ADOS, this youth group can be proud of their production of Little Shop of Horrors.
A first production for X-RAYS and a directorial debut for Liz Wood saw plenty of energy and talent grace the 'postage stamp' stage that they performed on.
Lighting, set, props and sound were all good. The plant was excellent, built by the company, I must say it was one of the better ones I have seen lately as some have been looking a little bit like a DFS sofa!
There were some very credible performances by the cast. Audrey, played by Lydia Hollinson was fab as the 'dippy' shop assistant. Grant Bromley was excellent as Seymour and Paul McGowen gave an 'excitable' performance as Mr Mushnik.
All were supported well by The Ronnettes who sang their way through the show keeping us up-to-date as events unfolded.
Of the other roles, Orin the dentist was played well by John Moorhead. Liam Foulds kept 'popping' on and off in various guises and the voice of the Plant was superbly executed by Dave Mangham.
Well choreographed and directed by Liz Wood and a superb band 'Dr Dill and the Herbs' had us all enjoying every minute.
Well done X-RAYS, I look forward to your next production.